Elite Smartphone developer Vertu has released its first handset powered by Google’s Android platform, though isn’t likely to hold any real appeal to the masses. Priced at a staggering £6,994 which is knocking right on the door of $10,000, the new Vertu Smartphone boasts a sapphire screen and a full titanium frame.

Sadly, even the $10,000 investment won’t get you 4G LTE connectivity.

Until now, Vertu has made beyond top-tier Smartphones exclusively powered by Nokia’s Symbian operating system, though has now made the move to Google’s Android. Explaining why the option for siding with Windows Phone 8 was scrapped, Vetru CEO Perry Oosting told the BBC in the UK that it the decision was based on the stronger establishment of Android.

“You need to be part of an ecosystem,” he told reporters this week.

“Your device will have to integrate with other devices. I think the Windows phone will have success but it is still a relatively small market share. At the moment it doesn’t have the global reach of Android – which is about 60% of the market.”

During the interview, he also went on to state how Vertu products were different from all other Smartphones on the market as they represent craftsmanship and are not “disposable” devices. Having established a consumer-base of just 326,000 over the course of a decade, Vertu has undoubtedly held onto its exclusivity and has no intention of competing with the market leaders.

At present, there are only 500 stores around the world where Vertu Smartphones can be bought and 70 of these are their own private boutiques.

With regard to unique features, every Smartphone made by Vertue comes with a “concierge” button, which provides an immediate connection with a dedicated team on hand 24/7 around the globe to give local advice, handle reservations and generally point users in the right direction with anything they desire.

And for those arguing that the use titanium and sapphire represents an unnecessary gimmick, a Virtu Smartphone remained almost entirely unharmed and fully functional after being run over by a truck – including its touchscreen.

One reason for this is that it has been designed for intense durability. One handset – and its screen – remained intact and working after being accidentally run over by a delivery truck.

“Sapphire is to glass what steel is to blancmange. The only thing that scratches it is a diamond,” said the company.